Ark Director
As the Ark Director, you are joining a thriving ministry that has been serving people and impacting lives for over 100 years. Camp Arcadia’s mission is to provide a Christ-filled setting for families, individuals and staff to connect with Christ and others amid the beauty of God’s creation. Through vacation and retreat experiences at Camp, we are renewed in spirit, mind, and body and are inspired to share the love of Christ in our lives, families, and communities.
As Ark Director, you are asked to support this mission through directing, managing and supervising Camp Arcadia’s morning program for preschool-aged children, encouraging faith formation in some of Camp’s youngest guests and serving them (and their families) with care and hospitality.
The Ark director will create and implement, at minimum, a five-day, two-hour lesson plan curriculum that incorporates faith formation and communicating Jesus’ love, as well as providing a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment.
Characteristics: The ideal candidate would be faith-filled, creative, flexible, and have a love for working with and teaching young children. They would also enjoy mentoring and facilitating the growth of the college-aged summer staff serving with them as well as junior staff and volunteers. They would enjoy connecting with guests of all ages within the Camp community.
Skills / Qualifications:
- Strong Christian faith
- Experience or ability in working with preschool-age children
- Strong independent work ethic and a desire to serve in Camp’s ministry
- Creativity and the ability to teach through stories, songs, games and crafts
- Ability and desire to work with children in an outdoor setting
- Strong organizational and classroom management skills
- Ability to train, mentor and support college-age summer staff
- Openness to guidance and supervision from Camp’s Leadership Staff
- Positive personality traits conducive to working with small children (patience, enthusiasm, positivity, humor, integrity, etc.)
- First Aid/CPR certification
Reports to: The Ark Director reports to the Summer Program Director as a member of the Program Team.
Direct Reports: Lead 1-2 assigned college-aged program staff along with possible junior staff and/or additional volunteers.
Compensation: Hourly pay ($18-20), plus lunch provided for Ark Director when working.
General Responsibilities
Pre-Season
- Clean and set up the Ark classroom prior to first family week
- Create a five-day, two-hour lesson plan curriculum focused on faith formation and communicating Jesus’ love, as well as providing a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment
- Coordinate possible program crossover with other departments (ex: field trips to visit the Craft Shop, Kitchen, or TP as desired)
- Incorporate Camp’s natural setting when possible
- Train assigned summer staffers on the curriculum, daily plans and weekly schedule
- Inventory and order needed supplies
In Season
- Supervise, teach and play with Ark children Monday through Friday from approximately 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. throughout Camp’s family retreats
- Lead, mentor and support summer staff, junior staff, and volunteers by delegating and/or encouraging appropriate leadership opportunities
- Help prepare children to “perform” a song or skit in the Camper Talent Show (Thursday evenings)
- Manage Ark cleanliness and equipment/supply storage
- Engage with Ark families and the greater Camp community
Post-Season
- Assist in deep cleaning, packing, and storing all materials and supplies at end of season
- Evaluate the completed season and make recommendations for equipment, supplies, and program for the following season
Interested in learning more or applying?
For more information, contact Assistant Director, Shelly Gallo (shelly@camp-arcadia.com or 248-739-0261).
To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to Shelly Gallo (shelly@camp-arcadia.com). We will be accepting resumes until January 31, 2026 for this position.
